Stop Construction Site Plastic Pollution in New Jersey

Surfrider’s New Jersey Chapters are determined to curb plastic pollution from a source that has gotten little attention to date, despite the growing public concern over the human and environmental health impacts from plastic.

The Chapters, led by the South Jersey Chapter, are working to pass a statewide bill that would require construction sites to contain and remove plastic particles and dust that is made when cutting or drilling boards made of chemically treated lumber and composite plastic, such as brands like TREX, AZEK. There are currently no requirements to contain these pollutants, which quickly blow or drain into the local environment. 

Contractors would be required to use vacuum attachments on saws, cut and drill lumber in confined spaces, such as a tent or hood, use tarps to collect dust, and properly dispose of these debris. 

Plastic dust exacerbates the plastic pollution crisis; plastic particles have been found in drinking water, food, human bodies, and in practically every inch of the globe. Plastic is a petroleum based product which degrades very slowly in the natural environment, contains toxins, and contributes to the climate crises. Plastic pollution poses significant health risks to humans, especially those in underserved communities where the majority of plastic manufacturing and waste management infrastructure is located. 

Long time Surfrider volunteer and Sustainable Margate Chairman, Steve Jasecki, as well as long time Surfrider volunteer Bill Stuempfig, are leading the charge for South Jersey. 

Surfrider Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager CeCe Carter organized a small coalition to support these ordinances in New Jersey, including: Sustainable Margate Board Member Sherri Lilienfeld and Beyond Plastics affiliate (and Board Member) Brian Thompson, who is also an Environmental Commissioner in Monmouth Beach. This coalition has passed similar ordinances in eighteen other New Jersey municipalities and is now working on a State level bill.